Methods

Meta-research and Innovation in how research is conducted.

Meta-Research in the area of Methods is broad, aiming to develop, identify and promote best scientific practices while also quantifying the effect of questionable practices which lead to misleading or incorrect findings or interpretations. This research can include:

Documentation of the prevalence of error, bias and questionable practices in study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with empirical demonstration of their effect

Uses, abuses, and misunderstanding of methods in statistical analysis, research synthesis and citation

How to measure and control for “meta-biases;” differences in results seen among collections of studies with certain properties, but whose effect cannot be observed by looking at individual studies. These can include design (e.g. single vs. multi-center studies), sponsorship (private vs. government), country of origin, analytic approach, etc.

Innovation can help expand the use of optimal methods, for example by developing new approaches, methods, tools and policies to: